Shiah Islam (pronounced /ˈʃiːə ˈɪslɑːm/) is a branch of Islam that believes in the leadership of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, as his rightful successor. The word 'Shiah' comes from the Arabic word 'shīʿah', which means 'sect' or 'faction'. The spelling of 'Shiah' with an 'h' is common in Western usage, while the word 'Shia' without an 'h' is more commonly used in the Middle East. Overall, the spelling and pronunciation of this term can vary depending on the region and dialect.
Shiah Islam, also known as Shiism, is a branch of Islam that originated from the belief in the leadership and succession of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, as the rightful successor to lead the Muslim community. Shiah Islam represents the largest minority within the overall Muslim population, with followers known as Shias or Shiites.
Shiah Islam holds the belief that the leaders of the Muslim community must be descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and Ali. They regard Hazrat Ali and his eleven successors, known as Imams, as infallible spiritual and political leaders divinely appointed by God to maintain and interpret the true teachings of Islam. The Imams are regarded as the rightful religious authorities and guides for Shias.
Shia practices and customs often differ from those of mainstream Sunni Islam, the other major branch of Islam. They have unique religious rituals, such as mourning ceremonies commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. Shiah Islam also places great emphasis on the concept of martyrdom and the role of Imam Mahdi, the awaited messianic figure who is believed to return at the end of time to restore justice and establish a perfect Islamic society.
Shiah Islam has developed a rich tradition of religious scholarship and jurisprudence, which is based on the interpretations of the Quran, hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and the teachings of the Imams. Their distinct beliefs and practices have shaped the social, cultural, and political landscape of various countries, including Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon, where Shia communities are prominent.
The word "Shiah" derives from the Arabic term "Shīʿah" (شيعة), which means "party" or "faction". It originated during the early period of Islam to refer to a group that supported Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, as his rightful successor. As a result, they became known as the "Shīʿah ʿAli" or the "partisans of Ali". Over time, this term evolved into "Shiah" or "Shiite" in English, referring to the sect of Islam that believes Ali and his descendants, known as Imams, are the legitimate successors to the Prophet Muhammad.